‘Never again’ to Washington NFL training camp expense
Re “Taxpayers on hook for $11.25M for NFL training camp,” Free Press Feb. 22-24 edition: For taxpayers to be on the hook for $11.25 million dollars for the Washington NFL team’s training camp is asinine. This type of taxpayer money never should have been spent while schools are crumbling and need fixing. With the meals tax going up to help our beloved schools in Richmond, this money could have been better used.
Similar themes in ‘Black Panther’ and Haitian documentary
Re “ ‘Black Panther’ pounces on box office,’ Free Press Feb. 22-24 edition: My family and I enjoyed the documentary “1804: The Hidden History of Haiti” hosted by the Elegba Folklore Society on Feb. 17. It was a great opportunity to learn about Haitian history. On Feb. 18, we saw the amazing “Black Panther” movie.
Nothing positive will be done’
President Trump urges ban on gun devices?
Redesign schools for safety
Like many others, your article about the mass shooting in Florida, included the words “gun tragedies” and “inaction” in the same story. Lawmakers are pondering decisions of gun control, while the lives of people are truly being affected for life.
Issue pink slips to lawmakers who vote against gun laws
Now is the time to discuss gun control and how to stop these murders. We should continue to have these discussions until it is resolved. We can’t forget about this one in Florida and go on until the next one. The real problem is access to guns. You can’t cover this with a bandage or blame it on anyone else, other than those who are responsible.
‘I pray that the students voices may be heard’
‘I pray that the students voices may be heard’ Re “Fla. school shooting survivors hoping to be catalyst for tougher gun laws,” Free Press Feb. 22-24 edition:
‘We need climate action, environmental justice’
As Americans came together in February to recognize the immense contributions made by African-Americans during Black History Month, it is important to talk about environmental justice because if we can’t breathe free, we can’t be free.
Courage, political will and gun control
“This is our first task, caring for our children. It’s our first job. If we don’t get that right, we don’t get anything right. That’s how, as a society, we will be judged. And by that measure, can we truly say, as a nation, that we’re meeting our obligations? Can we honestly say that we’re doing enough to keep our children, all of them, safe from harm?” — Former President Obama, during 2012 prayer vigil for victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn.
Having an impact
The latest proof that the activism of the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., is having an impact:
Settling the debt
Like a weed sprouting from the crack in a sidewalk, the truth always comes out. Take, for example, the rancid deal struck in 2012 by City Hall and the Washington NFL team for a Richmond training camp. City Council was left out of the negotiations between the team, former Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the city’s Economic Development Authority that resulted in construction of the Leigh Street training camp that is used by the team, at most, two to three months of the year.
RVA Night League for Safer Streets builds life skills, relationships along with basketball
RVA Night League for Safer Streets is set to start its second season of night basketball with more jumps shots and lifestyle workshops.
Richmond Symphony to sponsor music festivals throughout city
The Richmond Symphony is collaborating with the City of Richmond and civic organizations to produce community festivals under the Big Tent project starting this spring.
VUU Lady Panthers, VSU Trojans favored in CIAA Tournament
Virginia State University’s men and Virginia Union University’s women are clear favorites on paper at this week’s CIAA Tournament in Charlotte, N.C.
John Marshall hoping to go the distance at state tourney
Richmond’s John Marshall High School is rumbling into the State 3A basketball tournament with a full head of steam.
Darrell Purdie poised to take George Wythe to state finals
Darrell Purdie may be the area’s MVP — most versatile player.
Despite no home court, Huguenot goes to state quarterfinals
A basketball season that couldn’t have started much worse is now on track to be Huguenot High School’s best ever.
Trinity Episcopal’s Donavan Goode takes record in 55-meter dash
Donavan Goode excels in acceleration. Renowned for his Road Runner-style takeoffs, the 17-year-old Trinity Episcopal School senior is the fastest 55-meter dash man in Virginia private school history.
2018 Winter Olympics end with silver for 2 African-American athletes
African-American athletes were long on desire but short on medals at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, that concluded on Feb. 25.
Dr. Grace Harris remembered for her ‘spirit of hope’
Dr. Grace E. Harris, whose life and career stretched from the roads of rural Halifax County to the halls of the Virginia State Capitol, was remembered last Saturday as more than 200 people, including family, friends, legislators and educators, assembled at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Allie Ragin Jr., teacher, sports coach, dies at 76
Allie Ragin Jr. used his education and athletic skills to benefit and support youth sports programs in Richmond.
